Tampa Air Traffic Control Tower

These are pictures that I took on my ground school field trip to the control tower at Tampa International (TPA).

 

I don't know if they still do tours like this due to security concerns. If you've been on a control tower tour since 2001, or if you are an air traffic controller who knows what the current policy is, please let me know. I've been to the tower twice. It's very educational, so if you get the chance, go.

 

Besides the cool factor of looking at the radar screens and other equipment the controllers use, you also get a great view of the airplanes as they land, take off, and taxi.

 

Our tour also included a visit to the dark room at the bottom of the control tower where the controllers who work Approach are located.